Light-Folded Projector for Mobile Display Area Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile multipurpose devices face a challenge in maximizing display area due to the limited space required for imaging and sensing components like the front-facing camera, IR projector, and IR detector, which are often accommodated in a screen notch.
Innovation Solution
The use of a light-folded projector, which incorporates a light folding element such as a multi-surface prism, allows for the reduction of the footprint of these components by folding and redirecting IR light, thereby freeing up space for a larger display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If imaging and sensing components are placed in a screen notch, then object detection and recognition capabilities are enabled, but display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light folding element redirects light paths in three-dimensional space, allowing the IR projector and detector to be positioned in the notch while projecting light through the display area. This dimensional manipulation of light paths enables component placement without sacrificing display real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The light folding element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the IR projector/detector in the notch with the external environment. It folds and redirects light paths to enable object detection functionality while keeping the physical footprint minimal.
2Area of stationary object
If component footprint is reduced to maximize display area, then display area is increased, but optical path length is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The light folding element utilizes three-dimensional space to extend the optical path length within a compact two-dimensional footprint. By folding light paths at multiple angles, it achieves sufficient optical path length for effective IR projection and detection without requiring large physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The light folding element nested within the notch structure creates a compact optical system. Multiple light folding surfaces are nested within each other to achieve complex light path manipulation in a minimal space, effectively nesting optical functions within the constrained notch geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces the size of the imaging and sensing components, minimizing the notch size and maximizing the display area of mobile devices while maintaining efficient object detection and recognition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The light folding element may receive IR light emitted from the IR light emitter, fold the IR light (e.g., change the transmission direction of the IR light) one or more times, and guide it passing through the light folding element to project the IR light through a projector aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a light-folded projector that may include an infrared (IR) light emitter and a light folding element. The light folding element may receive IR light emitted from the IR light emitter and fold the IR light one or more times to guide the IR light passing through the light folding element to exit the device to an environment. The device may also include a detector that may detect and/or recognize an object in the environment using the IR light from the light-folded projector, and a front-facing camera to capture images of the environment in front of the device.